Good morning, Other Siders! Here’s today’s motivational quote to keep you 🔥through the week:

News that impacts you!

Good things take time, but this long????

If you’re in Canada and rely on Walk-in-Clinic for your care needs, I am sorry to say that you might need to grab a drink for this one. Medimap, a Canadian tech company that matches patients with walk-in clinics, pharmacists and allied health professionals to simplify access to care, recently published Walk-in Wait-time Index across the country. The average wait time across the country increased by 12 minutes compared to 2022. Here’s a snapshot of the report.

🍒 on the top! Internationally Trained Physicians feel helpless to help- Why are we doing this?

A recently published report, “The Myth of Canada: The Exclusion of Internationally Trained Physicians” highlights the challenges foreign-trained physicians face in Canada concerning obtaining licensure and finding employment. The study found that despite Canada’s reputation for being welcoming to immigrants and having a shortage of doctors, the process for licensing and integrating these physicians into the Canadian healthcare system can be lengthy and complex. This often results in highly trained professionals being unable to fully utilize their skills and make a meaningful contribution to Canadian society. The report calls for a re-evaluation of current policies and suggests a more streamlined approach to licensing; and implementation of policies and initiatives aimed at increasing the integration of internationally trained physicians into the Canadian healthcare system

🔅 On the bright side- We have Trudeau’s offer of $196.1 billion to fund healthcare over the next 10 years

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has recently announced a comprehensive plan to invest CAD 196.1 billion (approximately USD 153.5 billion) over a period of 10 years, including $46.2 billion in new spending on top of funds already budgeted to support and improve the country’s healthcare system.

The investment is expected to reform the pressured healthcare system, enhance access to quality healthcare services, modernize infrastructure and technology, and address key challenges the healthcare sector faces. The move is seen as a significant step in improving and strengthening the country’s healthcare system, ensuring that all Canadians have access to the care they need. This major commitment to healthcare is a testament to the government’s dedication to prioritizing the well-being of its citizens.

Great! but is Money the solution to this solving healthcare? If so:

• What about the skills of so many immigrants we are not utilizing?

• What about our stringent healthcare system, which is not open to change?

💭Let us know what you think by writing to us at [email protected]

Tools & Tech to keep a tab on!

🖥️ A new AI-powered tool helps improve patient care at St. Michael’s busy surgical unit

CHARTWatch Surgical (launched by Unity Health in partnership with Signal 1, a Canadian-based AI start-up.) is the AI-powered tool being used at St. Michael’s Hospital’s (Toronto) surgical unit. The tool uses patient data from electronic medical records, such as diagnostic test results and patient vitals, to predict the level of care required. A report is produced by the tools which inform staff of the level of risk patients present (low, medium, or high). In addition, the tool is capable of sending notifications if the status changes for a patient. Despite being relatively new in its use within the unit, the benefits are already being realized. 

🏠 Avvy, the first Canadian app to match patients with practitioners, provides ‘at-home’ care to Greater Quebec City

Avvy provides access to practitioners that provide care right in the comfort and safety of the individual’s residence. Services provided include blood tests, strep throat tests, routine vaccinations or flu shots, prenatal care and EKG tests. Having experienced the high demand for such services from the number of downloads their app received even before launching in Quebec City, Avvy aims to expand further the number of diagnostic services covered in 2023. The app is free to download, but blood tests can be as low as $49/visit, while other services vary in price. Besides individuals requesting services, practitioners can also benefit from the flexibility to provide services based on their schedules.

💊 Metro Ontario Pharmacies to be blessed by a national e-prescribing system very soon!

Launched by Canada Health Infoway and Metro Ontario Pharmacies Limited, PrescribeIT can be used to digitally send prescriptions and renewals directly to a patient’s pharmacy of choice. It is designed to seamlessly integrate with into electronic medical records (EMR) and pharmacy management systems (PMS). Streamlining the process in such a way would ensure the safe use of medications, lower the cases of lost prescriptions, safeguard patient data, increase communication among clinicians and provide convenience for patients.

📈What’s Trending🔥

Private vs Public Healthcare? The Battle is on🥷

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